MP for Westlock-St. Paul cites desire to be closer to family as reason

Just days after saying he was "really putting [his] career on the line" by disagreeing with the government, a Conservative MP from Alberta has announced he won’t run in the next election.

As the MP for Westlock-St. Paul, Brian Storseth publicly criticized the government’s changes to the temporary foreign worker program.

In June, Employment Minister Jason Kenney announced new measures to cut back on the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada.

The measures were criticized as too restrictive, particularly by businesses and some politicians in Alberta, where the program is most widely used.

At the time the changes were made, Storseth told the Globe and Mail that he wanted Alberta to be made exempt from the new measures until a better solution could be found.

Announcement comes days after speech on TFW stance

Just three days ago, a local newspaper reported that Storseth told local business leaders he would continue to fight the changes, even though he said it put his career in jeopardy.

"This is only the second time I've ever disagreed with and criticized a government decision, and I'm really putting my career on the line here by taking this stance, but I'm going to stick by it and continue fighting because I believe it's in the best interest of my riding and it's the right thing to do," Storseth is quoted as saying.

Just three days after that article was published, Storseth announced on his website that he would not run in the next election, which is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2015.

When asked if his departure was related to the issue of temporary foreign workers program, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office said that was a question for the MP.

In his statement, Storseth cites his young family as the reason.

"As many of you know, Amel and I were recently blessed with twins. My children and my wife are the light of my life and being almost 4,000km away from them most of the year has been incredibly difficult. At this time, we have decided to pursue opportunities back home in Alberta."

The Prime Minister's Office thanked Storseth in a statement for being a "strong representative" in his riding.

"Since being elected in 2006, Brian Storseth has been a strong representative for his community, working hard to grow the economy and improve the quality of life of Westlock - St. Paul constituents," wrote Stephen Lecce with the PMO.

"We look forward to working with Mr. Storseth until the next election and wish him well in his future endeavours."